Nephrology

Nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report

As one of the top five kidney care programs in the nation, the Division of Pediatric Nephrology at Children’s Mercy provides family-centered care for children and teens with kidney and urinary tract disorders. Our leadership in innovative research projects—like CKiD, the largest study of children with chronic kidney disease in North America—is actively improving the way we care for kids.

Ranked No. 5 pediatric nephrology program in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Kidney care that puts your family first

Our expert care team puts their experience to work every day to provide comprehensive care for children and families.

Children’s Mercy doctors have made significant contributions to the study and understanding of kidney disease and related issues in children.

We work closely and collaboratively with other professionals and institutions in the U.S. and around the world to advance the care of children with kidney disorders. Our doctors helped create a set of internationally accepted guidelines for health care professionals who care for children with kidney disorders.

Our dialysis program is nationally and internationally recognized as a leader in pediatric dialysis care and research.

Partnering with kids and teens as they grow

In addition to professional partnerships, our team takes pride in truly getting to know the children and families in our care. Those close relationships, along with extensive, hands-on education and training, allow families to develop a comprehensive understanding of their child’s condition and how to care for them.

As kids reach the age of 12, the team starts to work with them on learning how to manage their own care and preparing for greater independence as adults.

The Nephrology Transition to Adulthood program helps teens with kidney disease learn to manage their medications, doctor’s appointments, and lifestyle in order to stay healthy and avoid complications down the line. When young adults are ready to transition their care to an adult provider, they can meet with their Children’s Mercy doctor and the new doctor together so that everyone feels comfortable and knowledgeable about the care plan.

Parents speak…we listen

Strong family involvement also helps shape the day-to-day care kids receive at Children’s Mercy. A parental advisory board meets regularly to provide feedback to the nephrology team, who then works to incorporate their ideas into better ways to help families feel at home and comfortable while they’re receiving care.

Dr. Warady credits the extremely low infection and complication rates for our kidney program to the dedicated nursing staff, exceptional family education programs, and highly engaged parents and families.

Thinking towards the future

When your child is diagnosed with a significant illness, it can be hard to think past the needs of the present moment. Our nephrology team helps your child get the kidney care they need right now, while also working towards better outcomes as they grow.

One common problem for kids who need dialysis for a long time is damage to their veins where they are connected to the dialysis machine, a process known as vascular access.

The Save the Vein program helps all your child’s health care providers to take a proactive approach to vascular access. We’ll use a special wristband at every visit so that veins in your child’s non-dominant arm are protected for future treatment.

"Working together, we can come up with answers to questions much faster. This allows us to implement changes to children much more rapidly and improve their care."

Children with all types of bone disorders are evaluated and treated in the Bone and Mineral Disorder Clinic. We can also help children with kidney stones and problems with the way their body processes minerals.

The Enuresis and Voiding Disorder Clinic evaluates and treats children who have urinary problems in the daytime or bedwetting at night. We take a collaborative approach to treatment, making sure your child receives the unique and compassionate care they need.

The Dialysis Program at Children's Mercy cares for children with all types of kidney disorders who need renal replacement therapy with dialysis. Our program is nationally and internationally recognized as a leader in pediatric dialysis care and research.

Children's Mercy operates the largest pediatric kidney transplant program in Missouri and Kansas. The transplant program complements the nationally recognized pediatric dialysis program and is a key component of the Division of Nephrology, which ranks as one of the top 5 programs in the country by U. S. News and World Report.

When your child is comfortable and familiar with their Children’s Mercy care team, the thought of leaving the doctors and nurses they’ve known for several years can be overwhelming. To make sure that they’re set up for success, the dialysis and transplant patients we care for go through our transition to adulthood program.

Working today to improve kidney care tomorrow

Our researchers tackle tough kidney problems from every angle as they look for innovative solutions for kids with chronic and acute kidney disorders.

Whether it's a long-term study of children with chronic kidney disease or exploring the genetic aspects of kidney conditions, the Children's Mercy research team is relentless in pursuing better health for children and families around the world.

Stories

Inside Pediatrics: Jack's Story

Two-year-old Jack needs daily dialysis, care from the region’s top pediatric nephrologists and a kidney transplant to survive. While some kids wait months for a kidney, Jack already has a donor: his dad.

Kidney Transplant: Julio's Story

At the age of six, Julio, was living with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). The disorder does not respond well to medications and Julio received a kidney transplant and care after from Children's Mercy. Thanks to the care Julio has received, he can enjoy his favorite hobbies like going to the park, riding his bike and playing soccer.

Kidney Transplant: Isaac's and Colin's Stories

Isaac Schroeder, a 2 ½-year-old patient from Omaha, Neb., and his mother celebrate the one-year anniversary of Isaac’s lifesaving kidney transplant at Children’s Mercy. Meanwhile 18-year-old Colin Martin recovers from a kidney transplant made possible by his brother, William. This was the first brother-to-brother transplant performed at Children’s Mercy, and both young men are doing well.

Meet Bradley Warady, MD

Meet Dr. Warady, the Chief of the Section of Pediatric Nephrology and Director of Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation. Learn how his own pediatrician inspired him to go into medicine at the young age of nine and why he loves being part of a kidney care team that works together to help every child in the program.